Canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV) is one of the most prevalent viruses in dogs, resulting in gastrointestinal signs and, in severe cases, death. Despite being a major disease, study on its spread remains limited, particularly in some geographical areas, such as the Campania region (southern Italy). This study investigated the CECoV serological and molecular occurrence, as well as the risk factors related to increased exposures. A total of 258 blood and 154 fecal samples were obtained from dogs in 71 districts, accompanied by information such as sex, breed, size, location, age, origin, lifestyle, and attitude. The serological and molecular prevalences were obtained using a commercial ELISA (also useful for evaluating the antibody titer) and a previously described real-time PCR protocol, respectively. More than half of the dogs investigated (53.9%) had been exposed to the pathogen, while only 5.8% tested positive in real-time PCR. Among the animals that tested seropositive, 57 had a titer of 1:50, 36 of 1:100, and 46 of 1:200. Univariate and multivariate studies found that hunting dogs and dogs with outdoor lifestyles had greater seroprevalence. Sex, age, breed, origin, and size were not associated with higher seroprevalences. Furthermore, dogs in some areas exhibited seroprevalences of up to 85%. The same area (Avellino and Salerno) included most of the PCR-positive animals. Among these nine animals, only two were seronegative when tested by ELISA, another five had a titer of 1:50, and two of 1:200. Furthermore, eight out of nine animals were hunting dogs or strays, only one was a pet dog, and seven/nine lived outdoors. The study's findings highlighted the extensive prevalence of CECoV in the examined area, as well as the presence of ongoing outbreaks in many districts. More efforts are needed to offer useful epidemiological surveillance for this important canine disease, as well as to detect mutations and to anticipate possible changes in its epidemiological cycle.
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Serological and molecular evidence of canine enteric coronavirus in Campania region (Italy)
Published:
28 November 2025
by MDPI
in The 1st International Online Conference on Veterinary Sciences
session Veterinary Epidemiology
Abstract:
Keywords: CeCoV, coronavirus, dogs, seroprevalence, molecular prevalence
